My First Week Abroad and Tips I've Learned

     After my first week in Berlin, I’m still feeling the effects of the time change. Despite this, I’ve spent as much time as possible exploring the city. While I still get lost trying to find my train, I have learned more than I thought was possible in a short amount of time. I’ve met so many cool people and spent most of my days wandering the streets. The variety of architecture makes every walk an adventure. When I arrived in Germany I was absolutely exhausted, having had trouble sleeping on the plane. I was in an aisle seat, so I could see everybody’s business. This included one person’s tablet at the highest possible brightness. Whatever show they were watching, I was watching too. 
     

     I made it through the airport smoothly. It was standard, getting off the plane and walking to the passport check. I got my first stamp in my passport (EEK!) and made my way to baggage check. As someone who has been learning German for six years, I got so excited hearing the announcements in German and conversations from the people around me. I grabbed my giant suitcase and went to the bathroom. My first problem came when trying to use the bathroom. The flushing mechanics were nothing I'd seen before. There were two buttons above the toilet. Turns out one button does a full flush, while the other only flushes as long as you hold it. It’s a way to conserve water depending on what you need. After figuring that out, I went to wash my hands. Everything was fine till I looked at the towel dispenser. I’m used to paper towel dispensers that release a page of a paper towel that you rip off. This dispenser looked like the towel was tucked into the back with no way of ripping it. As I reached my dripping hands to the towel, it felt thicker. I pulled, then the paper just extended as a loop. I immediately let go, worried I broke it and wiped my hands on my pants. Turns out, you’re supposed to wipe your hands on the loop, then when you release it the machine will move your used section along. I learned that from a quick online search. 

    My second problem was trying to make it to the IES Abroad Center. After making it out of the bathroom, I made it out to the street. I knew there was a train station nearby, but my lack of public transportation knowledge pushed me to get a car. Especially with my big suitcase. There was a line of taxis out front, but I had already ordered an Uber inside the airport. I couldn’t find where the pickup spot was. There were signs pointing forward, so I continued walking forward till I came to the stairs. I walked down, but they led to a stone courtyard that led to the stairs to the train. I knew this wasn’t right, so I lugged my suitcase back up the stairs. Then I saw a car with Uber written on the side. Turns out the pickup section is the other lane directly in front of the taxi pickup area. The driver loaded my suitcase in the back and we began our forty minute trip to the center. The center is on a one way road, so my driver dropped me off on the street next to the center. I began walking down the street, Google Maps in hand. The center is inside a building with other businesses, so there is a main door. It was propped open and I was able to walk inside. From there, I met the IES Abroad Berlin staff who were all so kind and helpful. They got me checked in and gave me a key to my apartment. One of the staff members noticed me and another student had the same apartment, so she encouraged us to share an Uber there and waited with us for the Uber. I immediately felt seen and was able to enjoy the company of someone despite us both being exhausted.
 

Now for some tips I’ve learned in my first week!

1. When shopping at Aldi, get a basket or cart at the beginning. Go through the gate and get what you need. When you get to the checkout, empty your items onto the conveyor belt. Purchase a tote bag by putting it at the front of your groceries, so when the cashier starts scanning you can start bagging. Bag quickly and be prepared to pay. If it is taking longer, there might be another table or space you can move to to continue packing your tote. Efficiency is important and the Aldi cashiers move fast.
2. Public transportation isn’t so bad. Using Google Maps means it gives multiple ways to get to a location with multiple trains, buses, or trolleys to take. I still get lost (more than I’d like to admit), but just pay attention to signs and hop on. If you get on the wrong train, it isn’t the end of the world. I have personally found buses to be my current preferred transport, but I’m learning more about the trains with some friends I’ve made.
3. Friends! The IES Abroad Berlin Center has made connections a priority. On my first day, there were two events already planned to meet people. The first week was all orientation which was helpful to learn the city, but it was also about learning about your new classmates and the center staff. My advice is to go to the events! I’ve already met so many cool people even if we’ve only had one or two conversations. Also don’t be afraid to ask people to get coffee or dinner, it’s a great way to have a more casual meetup!
4. While I recommend going to events and throwing yourself in the first week, I’ve also found taking a night for yourself is helpful too. You know yourself best, you know how much socializing is good for you! Push yourself a little, but take care of yourself too! You want to enjoy your time here, getting sick will limit that!
5. Berlin is definitely a cash city, with some places only taking cash. Make sure to bring Euros, but also check your credit card for international fees. Many places still accept cards and it can make life a lot easier if you know how your card works overseas.

In the end, this has been a crazy and awesome week. It’ll only get better from here and I can’t wait. Thank you for following along, I’ll tell you all about my adventures next time!